"TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE TOWARDS CASHLESS LONDON TRANSPORT SYSTEM"- POPE

5.32.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 10th May 2006

Commenting on the announcement that Oyster cards are to be extended to overland rail users, newly elected Liberal Democrat Chair of the Transport Committee in the London Assembly, Geoff Pope said:

"Although I welcome the extension of Oyster cards to more train stations in London, this is too little, too late in turning the tide for a fully integrated transport system for London.

'One of my key priorities as Chair of the Transport Committee will be to fight for a better level of service for overland rail passengers.

'These new measures are a drop in the ocean compared to what the Mayor should be doing to extend Oyster card usage across London. Are passengers really expected to wait two years for this service to be put in place?

'So far the Mayor's pearls of wisdom have not delivered Londoners with a value for money service or the results they want. The Mayor and TfL do not have a good track record on securing major improvements to London's rail network. Londoners can't afford this project to fail."

ENDS